“You are your own competition – don’t take your health or life for granted.” – Julia Peck

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

How are you giving back and what is your motive?

On Friday June 15, 2007, the front page of the Sports section of the Culpeper Star Exponent had a feature article titled “Giving back: Local triathlete donates percentage of coffee sales to autism research.” That article begins:

“Julia Peck can’t make it to Sunday’s inaugural Little Pepper triathlon. That won’t stop her from making an impact. Proceeds from the race, sponsored by Setup Events, benefit the Organization for Autism Research. When Peck heard the money was headed towards a worthy cause, she decided she wanted to help out. She is donating a percentage of sales from her coffee business, World Bean RoastHers [www.worldbeanroasthers.com], to the organization. She’ll also be an official sponsor of the Culpeper Sprint, the second of the town’s triathlons, set for Aug. 5.”

The newspaper article continues: “She (Julia) says that triathlons create a community atmosphere that can bring a town, and families, together… Triathlons have become a huge part of Peck’s life. Beyond the physical fitness benefits, beyond the money raised for charity, she says racing has had a huge impact on her life. Any rookies competing for the first time Sunday will learn much about themselves and their community, she says.”

Triathlons have not only impacted Julia, but our entire family and many people we’ve met. Few people in this world take such good care of their bodies as Julia. Ever since I met her, Julia has loved to exercise and eat well. By modeling healthy habits, Julia has helped me and our kids take better care of ourselves.

Julia’s coffee roasting business (ministry) is a huge God thing. Meeting Rick Heeren in March 2005 changed my life forever. Among many other things, Rick opened the door for me to go to Argentina in October 2005 for the Harvest Evangelism conference. In Argentina I met Jack Serra. Jack’s teaching called “Marketplace, Marriage, and Revival” was a major turning point in my marriage. Without that, I never would have been able to offer Julia the support she needed to get over all the hurdles to start her own international coffee roasting business.

Prayer Power
Father God, what an awesome God we serve. There is none like You. You are above all other gods. Thank You for blessing me with a Proverbs 31 wife who gives back so generously. Thank You for the recent newspaper article about Julia. Thank You for blessings our family with so much to allow us to bless many other families. Thank for Rick Heeren and Jack Serra who have generously sown good seeds into our community. Bless Rick’s visit to Culpeper tomorrow. Thank You for Your promise to “do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Eph 3:20) Jesus, we invite You to be LORD of Culpeper and Virginia! Amen and Hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Photos of 2006 Culpeper Triathlon + Giving Back (entire newspaper article)
[http://www.starexponent.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CSE%2FMGArticle%2FCSE_MGArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173351647724&path=!sports]
Blessing to give back generously!

Your Daily Blessing News
Tomorrow (June 20), the lives of many people will change forever when they meet Rick Heeren. In the morning, Rick will meet briefly with pastors and marketplace leaders in Culpeper where they work. Then from Noon – 1:30 p.m., Rick will meet with interested people in the conference room of the Culpeper Library in a small group setting. Finally, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Rick will share and teach in the large meeting room of the Culpeper Library. There will be a 30 minute reception for Rick before and after. Everyone interested in making Culpeper and Virginia a lighthouse for the world is invited to come.